Our Sponsors

At the Edge of the World

Shortlisted

Bolen Books Children's Book Prize

2017

About this Work

Maddie and Ivan have been friends forever. They go to school together, surf, party, and hang out all the time. Ivan eats at Maddie's house almost every day. But all is not well in Ivan's world, and as control of his life slips farther away from him, Maddie agonises over her role in his life. Ivan fears the fallout if the people in his community discover what he's been hiding, but Maddie thinks telling his secret will help him. As Maddie struggles to figure out her own post-high-school path, she worries about how to deal with the things she knows about Ivan's life. Is she a keeper of his secrets? Should she help him hide what's going on in his family? Or should she tell someone and get help? What does betrayal look like when your best friend is in trouble?

Orca Book Publishers

Jurors' Citation

This enjoyable novel, set in a small west coast town, explores complicated relationships and the inevitable challenges they present. The narrative accurately captures the spirit of two young adults navigating their launch into adulthood.

Kari Jones

About

Kari Jones is the author of numerous books for young readers and teens, including At the Edge of the World, a young adult novel. She lives on the west coast of Canada, where she enjoys exploring the coast by kayak with her husband and son and their dog, Tintin. For more information, please visit www.karijones.ca.